Sunbrella · Outdoor Cushions & Pillows
Sunbrella 20"x20" Cabana Stripe Outdoor Throw Pillow
Sunbrella's water-repellent coating treatment likely contains PFAS; no transparency provided.
Sunbrella fabrics use water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finishes typical of outdoor textiles, historically PFAS-based. Brand discloses no PFAS information or alternatives.
The safe swap
Arhaus
Arhaus Ardennes Outdoor Pillow In Polyester
75/100 safety
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Sunbrella acrylic solution-dyed fabric with proprietary water/stain repellent
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Category baseline
furniture is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This pillow uses Sunbrella acrylic solution-dyed fabric, meaning the color is integrated into the fiber itself rather than applied as surface dye, reducing off-gassing and colorant migration risks. The fabric carries a proprietary water and stain repellent treatment that is almost certainly PFAS-based, though Sunbrella does not publicly disclose the chemistry. Acrylic fibers themselves are generally stable and non-toxic when not heated, but the water-repellent coating is where chemical concern concentrates.
The brand's record and disclosure
Sunbrella is owned by Glen Raven and has built a reputation for outdoor durability and UV resistance, but the company maintains silence on PFAS content in its water-repellent coating treatments, despite industry-wide pressure for transparency. No major recalls or documented toxicity incidents are on record for Sunbrella throw pillows specifically. However, the brand's refusal to disclose or commit to PFAS-free alternatives, even as competitors like Polartec have moved to non-PFAS options, signals a lack of proactive chemical stewardship.
How it compares in its category
Sunbrella outdoor textiles sit at the premium end of the market and genuinely perform better than budget acrylic blends or polyester alternatives in terms of durability and UV hold. Most mainstream outdoor fabrics, whether Sunbrella, Olefin, or polyester, use PFAS-based water repellents as standard, so this pillow is not uniquely risky in that regard. A PFAS-free alternative would require seeking out niche brands (typically more expensive) or accepting reduced water and stain resistance.
If you buy it
Sunbrella acrylic does not require or benefit from heat-based care; wash in cool water with mild soap and air dry to avoid accelerating any water-repellent coating breakdown. Do not use harsh cleaners, bleach, or pressure washers, which can strip the water repellent and increase leaching of residual chemicals. Replace the pillow insert every 3-5 years depending on UV exposure; the cover itself typically lasts longer but will gradually lose stain resistance. Store indoors during off-season if possible to reduce weathering of the water-repellent coating layer.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Flame retardants (durable press or soil repellent additives)
No flame retardant chemicals are known to be added to Sunbrella acrylic textiles as part of standard formulation. Solution-dyed acrylics have inherent flame resistance, so additional retardants are unnecessary and not on record.
Formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing resins
Sunbrella acrylic fabric does not use formaldehyde-based dyes or finishing resins. Solution dyeing and acrylic polymer chemistry avoid this hazard class.
Azo dyes and heavy metal colorant contamination
Solution-dyed Sunbrella acrylic integrates synthetic dyes directly into the polymer; this method avoids the problematic azo dyes and heavy metal pigments common in surface-dyed textiles and is considered safer for the consumer.
VOC off-gassing (volatile organic compounds from resins or coatings)
The proprietary water repellent and any sizing or finishing resins applied during manufacturing may release VOCs initially, particularly indoors or in warm, humid conditions. Off-gassing typically diminishes within days to weeks but is most pronounced in sealed indoor spaces.
Coating degradation and leaching of residual treatment chemicals
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 55% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Outdoor Cushions & Pillows
Arhaus
Ardennes Outdoor Pillow In Polyester
Polyester, unspecified finish
Lower concern. Polyester pillow unlikely to contain PFAS unless treated.
⚠Risky category by default
Room & Board
Modern Cast Outdoor Pillow
Cast polyester or acrylic fabric cover
Outdoor pillow with synthetic fabric.
⚠Risky category by default
Pier 1 Imports
Rizzy Home Jim Throw Pillow
polyester/cotton blend with standard fill
Lower concern. No PFAS-prone features identified in typical throw pillow.
⚠Risky category by default
More outdoor cushions & pillows grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.